Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2013 | Page 15

GreenWatch the latest news and products from the green industry and professions Valuing Green The built environment is going green, but are markets reflecting these changes? W ith 39 impressive Green Star SA rated buildings in South Africa, green building is forging ahead as property professionals, developers, building owners, and tenants all begin to experience the benefits of better performing buildings. However, a succinct understanding as to what constitutes ‘value’ in a green building is still a major barrier to the adoption of green principles by the investment community. Property is a major investment market. If investors are concerned with sustainability credentials, they could start to ‘green’ their portfolios, which would mean that they only invest in property funds with green building as a priority. This will only happen when green buildings demonstrate greater financial returns, according to solid financial data. Until the financial and valuation sector understands the benefits of a green building to the net value of an asset, financing calculations will not incorporate green into their decisions, points out report author Nicola Milne in the ‘Rands & Sense of Green Buildings: Building the business case for green commercial buildings in South Africa’. Published by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), the Rands & Sense report states that the South African valuation industry should ensure green initiatives are considered VALUE OF THE VALUER: Valuers assess the market value of a property.They are involved in every aspect of development, from feasibility and planning stages until the property’s eventual trade. They can be a central point around which property information flows. A key indicator for property owners is whether a building is actually worth more, due to green interventions – it is property valuers who make these decisions. LEFT: ALICE LANE GREENCOMPANY AFRISAM Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.afrisam.com AfriSam is the leading producer of advanced composite cements which are gentler on the planet while maintaining the same high quality performance as conventional cements. We pride ourselves on low carbon emissions and extensive recycling through the use of by-products in the manufacture of our cements. Some day all cements will be made this way. BELOW: No. 1 Silo – V & A Waterfront American Shutters Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.americanshutters.co.za In 1985, American Shutters introduced the ageless beauty of adjustable louvre shutters to South Africa. Since then its pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to quality and style has seen its product range grow to include a comprehensive selection of shutters, blinds and screens. Wood is inherently green; a renewable and sustainable material and American Shutters sources its timber from sustainable forests. Green Watch 15